If you’re brushing your teeth properly, you should be spending a minimum of six minutes a day brushing your teeth. Toothpaste is an important component of your oral hygiene regimen. Have you ever wondered what is in your toothpaste? Would like to know how the ingredients in your toothpaste help you maintain a clean, healthy mouth? Dr. Gillly Calcagno and our team at Calcagno Cosmetic & Family Dentistry discuss the importance ingredients in toothpaste and their benefits.
Abrasive Agents
The abrasive agents in toothpaste can be compared to exfoliating your skin. Abrasives in toothpaste contain very small materials that help clean away plaque buildup and debris in your mouth. Although abrasives are important for cleaning your teeth and gums, some types of toothpastes may contain abrasive agents that can damage your teeth over time. Some whitening toothpastes and anti-tartar toothpastes can weaken your tooth enamel if used daily. For daily brushing, we recommend using simple toothpastes. Feel free to ask a member of our team for recommendations on toothpastes types and brands.
Fluoride
Fluoride is one of the most important ingredients in toothpaste. Every day, your tooth enamel is exposed to acid which is capable of stripping away important minerals that protect your teeth. Fluoridated toothpaste helps replenish lost minerals in your tooth enamel. Scientifically proven to strengthen enamel, fluoride has been used for decades in preventive dentistry.
Foaming Agents
Foaming agents also called surfactants are important for spreading toothpaste throughout the mouth. When toothpaste is mixed with water, surfactant agents will produce foam. Additionally, foaming agents help toothpaste spread to the hard to reach crevices in your mouth.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning in Rochester
Although toothpaste is an important part of maintaining optimal oral health, professional dental cleanings are still necessary for removing tartar buildup and thoroughly cleaning your mouth. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by special tools that our dental team uses. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Calcagno, contact our Rochester dentist office (507) 281-3659. We serve patients from Red Wing, St. Charles, Winona, Hasting, Farmington, and the neighboring communities near Rochester.
